Point determination and projection device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a point determination and projection device configured to automatically detect the location of a point of interest, such as a midpoint or other intermediate point on a surface, and to project light or another image onto such point of interest to indicate its location to a user. In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, the device includes remote distance measurement devices, such as laser distance measurement devices, that measure the distance to, for example, corners of a wall surface, and a digital protractor that measures the angle between the two remote distance measurement devices. Based on those measurements, a processor calculates the location of a predesignated point of interest, such as a midpoint or other intermediate point between the two wall corners, and projects a light or other image toward the location of such midpoint or other intermediate point to indicate such location to a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/574,508 titled “Point Determination and Projection Device,” filedOct. 19, 2017 by the inventors herein, which application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to measurement devices, and moreparticularly to a portable device for remotely determining andprojecting the location of one or more calculated points of interest ona surface located between two other points of interest, such as amidpoint or other intermediate points between two corners or otherfeatures in a building space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of devices have long been available for aiding in themeasurement of various distances, including rulers, tape measurers,laser distance meters, and the like, all of which may be used to measurea straight-line distance between two given points in space. Otherdevices may likewise be used for measuring angles between points, suchas both manual and digital protractors. In each case, a user operatesthe device by fixing it at a first point from which the user proposes tomeasure, and extending the opposite end of the measurement device to theopposite point to which they are measuring.

In some situations, however, it may be quite difficult to use suchstraight-line measurement devices, such as when attempting to measurethe distance between two features or the dimensions of features that donot have clearly defined borders or edges.

By way of non-limiting example, in various construction and spaceplanning applications it may be desirable to determine and display themidpoint or such other point of interest, such as a one-third-point, aone-quarter-point, etc. of a feature, such as a wall. While a plannermight use prior known, straight-line measurement devices to determinethe overall length between the endpoints of the wall, then calculate themidpoint or other intermediate point of interest of that measurement,and then re-measure from one of the endpoints to mark or otherwisedenote the location of that calculated point of interest, this processis more difficult in cases where obstructions or oddly shaped corners donot yield clearly defined endpoints.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for a measurement device allowingthe easy determination and indication of a point (or line) of interestbetween two points in space, such as the determination and indication ofa midpoint (or midline) between two endpoints of a wall or othersurface. Moreover, there remains a need in the art for such ameasurement device that is portable and that may be used from astationary point in space so as to avoid the need of the user tomanually move from location to location to collect measurements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are devices and methods configured to address one ormore of the above described disadvantages of the prior art. However,achieving the above purposes and/or benefits is not a necessary featureto each of the exemplary embodiments, and the claims herein may recitesubject matter that does not achieve the above stated purposes.

Disclosed herein is a point determination and projection deviceconfigured to automatically detect the location of a point of interest,such as a midpoint or other calculated intermediate point on a surface,and to project light or another image onto such point of interest toindicate its location to a user. In accordance with certain aspects ofan embodiment of the invention, the device includes remote distancemeasurement devices, such as laser distance measurement devices, thatmeasure the distance to, for example, corners of a wall surface, and adigital protractor that measures the angle between the two remotedistance measurement devices. Based on those measurements, a processorcalculates the location of a predesignated point of interest, such as amidpoint between the two wall corners, and projects a light or otherimage toward the location of such midpoint to indicate such location toa user. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the point determinationand projection device may detect and display such midpoint or otherintermediate point of interest even for walls or other structures thathave abnormal or uneven terminal edges. Further, in certainconfigurations, multiple calculated intermediate points of interest(e.g., lines at every one-third-point along the surface) maysimultaneously be displayed by the point determination and projectiondevice.

In accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention, apoint determination and projection device is provided, comprising: atleast one angularly adjustable, remote distance measurement device; adigital protractor operably engaging the at least one remote distancemeasurement device; and a processor having computer executable codestored thereon configured to: receive from the at least one remotedistance measurement device a first distance measurement to a firstpoint of interest; receive from the at least one remote distancemeasurement device a second distance measurement to a second point ofinterest; receive from the digital protractor an angle measurement of anangle having a vertex at the point determination and projection deviceand endpoints at the first point of interest and the second point ofinterest; calculate a location of a targeted point of interest betweenthe first point of interest and the second point of interest; andgenerate human discernable output indicative of a location of thetargeted point of interest.

In accordance with further aspects of an embodiment of the invention, apoint determination and projection device is provided, comprising: afirst angularly adjustable remote distance measurement device; a secondangularly adjustable remote distance measurement device; an angularlyadjustable remote light projection device; and a processor havingcomputer executable code stored thereon configured to: receive from thefirst remote distance measurement device a first distance measurement toa first point of interest; receive from the second remote distancemeasurement device a second distance measurement to a second point ofinterest; determine an angle between the first distance measurement andthe second distance measurement; calculate a location of a targetedpoint of interest between the first point of interest and the secondpoint of interest; and generate human discernable output indicative of alocation of the targeted point of interest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the presentinvention and together with the below description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a point determination and projection device inaccordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a point determination andprojection device in accordance with further aspects of an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a point determination andprojection device in accordance with further aspects of an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart depicting a method for using a pointdetermination and projection device in accordance with certain aspectsof an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic views of a structure with which a pointdetermination and projection device may be used in a first mode ofoperation in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views of a structure with which a pointdetermination and projection device may be used in a second mode ofoperation in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 7A through 7E are schematic views of a structure with which apoint determination and projection device may be used in a third mode ofoperation in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a structure with which a pointdetermination and projection device may be used in a fourth mode ofoperation in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention summarized above may be better understood by referring tothe following description, claims, and accompanying drawings. Thisdescription of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice animplementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferredembodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilledin the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conceptionand specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designingother methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize thatsuch equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe invention in its broadest form. Descriptions of well-known functionsand structures are omitted to enhance clarity and conciseness.

Hereinafter, an apparatus and method for enabling the determination anddisplay of the calculated location of a midpoint on a wall or othersurface is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention may, however, beconfigured in many different forms for various other procedures (e.g.,for purposes of calculating and displaying the location of otherintermediate points of interest on a surface other than the midpoint)and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments setforth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so thatthis disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those skilled in the art.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwisedescribed, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to referto the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size anddepiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that for the purposes of this disclosure, “atleast one of X, Y, and Z” can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, orany combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XZ, XYY,YZ, ZZ). Further, it will be understood that when an element is referredto as being “connected to” another element, it can be directly connectedto the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentdisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. doesnot denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence ofat least one of the referenced item.

The use of the terms “first,” “second,” and the like does not imply anyparticular order, but they are included to identify individual elements.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote anyorder of importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another. It will be further understoodthat the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or“including” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Although some features may be described with respect to individualexemplary embodiments, aspects need not be limited thereto such thatfeatures from one or more exemplary embodiments may be combinable withother features from one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a point determination and projectiondevice 100 in accordance with certain aspects of an embodiment of theinvention. Point determination and projection device 100 includes apivotable distance measurement device 110 having a first carrier arm 112and a second carrier arm 114. First carrier arm 112 is pivotably mountedto second carrier arm 114 at pivotable mount 116, allowing arms 112 and114 to open and close with respect to pivotable mount 116. Moreover,pivotable mount 116 comprises the vertex of a digital protractor that isconfigured to measure an angle between arms 112 and 114 and providedigital output indicative of the measured angle. Such digital protractorcomponents are of well-known configuration to persons of ordinary skillin the art, and are readily commercially available (such as the TS02Digital Angle Finder that is commercially available from General Tools),such that the specific construction of such pivotable mount is notfurther detailed here. Likewise, such digital protractors are readilyable to communicate with a display, such as a digital display 118mounted on a processor housing 140, to display to a user the value ofthe measured angle between first carrier arm 112 and second carrier arm114.

Point determination and projection device 100 also includes a firstremote distance measurement device, such as a laser distance measurementdevice 120, mounted on first carrier arm 112 and aligned with alongitudinal, central axis of first carrier arm 112, and a second remotedistance measurement device, such as a second laser distance measurementdevice 122 mounted on second carrier arm 114 and aligned with alongitudinal, central axis of second carrier arm 114. Each such laserdistance measurement device is configured to measure the distance frompoint determination and projection device 100, and more particularlyfrom the vertex of the angle formed by first carrier arm 112 and secondcarrier arm 114, to a particular point of interest as discussed ingreater detail below. Such laser distance measurement devices are ofknown configuration to persons of ordinary skill in the art and arereadily commercially available (such as the GLM 15 from Bosch), suchthat their specific construction is not further detailed here. Likewise,such laser distance measurement devices are readily able to communicatewith a display, such as a digital display 118, to display to a user thevalue of the measured distance from the respective laser distancemeasurement device and a point of interest.

In use, first carrier arm 112 can be directed toward a first feature ofinterest, such as a first corner of a wall for which a user wishes todetermine a midpoint, and second carrier arm 114 can be directed towarda second feature of interest, such as a second corner of that wall.Laser light emitted from each of first laser distance measurement device120 and second laser distance measurement device 122 can be used asguides to aid a user in properly aiming the central axis of each offirst carrier arm 112 and second carrier arm 114 to their respectivefeatures of interest so as to properly measure an angle between them(from the vertex of point determination and projection device 100). Withfirst carrier arm 112 and second carrier arm 114 so positioned, a usermay capture the measured angle, and preferably store the value of suchmeasured angle in data memory in communication with a processor, such asa processor 124 within processor housing 140. Likewise, a user maycapture the distance from the vertex to each feature of interest fromfirst laser distance measurement device 120 and second laser distancemeasurement device 122 (which may be calibrated to account for theadditional distance between each such laser distance measurement device120 and 122 and the vertex of point determination and projection device100), and store such distance measurements in data memory. Push buttons,touch screen functions, or any other user-engageable feature may beprovided to allow a user to collect such measurements after firstcarrier arm 112 and second carrier arm 114 have been properly positionedas explained above. Once such angle and distance measurements have beencollected and stored in memory, the processor 124 may then use suchdata, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to the notedexamples, to calculate a point of interest between the two features ofinterest, such as a midpoint on a wall between two corners defined bythe ends of that wall.

Once that point of interest has been calculated, the location of suchcalculated point of interest may be displayed to the user. In anexemplary configuration, the calculated location of such point ofinterest may be displayed as a numeric value on digital display 118,such as a distance measurement from one of the corners to which firstand second carrier arms 112 and 114 were directed. In another exemplaryconfiguration, a light projection device 130, which may optionallycomprise a laser distance measurement device of like configuration tofirst and second laser distance measurement devices 120 and 122, may bepivotably mounted to point determination and projection device 100. Moreparticularly, with point determination and projection device 100 held inthe same position as when the above-described measurements were taken,processor 124 may direct a pivoting mount for light projection device130 (such as a servo motor) to pivot so as to align the projected lightfrom light projection device 130 with the location of the calculatedpoint of interest, thus illuminating the actual location of such pointof interest for the user. Alternatively, light projection device 130 maybe manually moveable by the user, and processor 124 may be configured toalert the user, such as by way of a signal light or audible tone emittedfrom processor housing 140, when the projected light from lightprojection device 130 is manually moved to an angle that causes suchprojected light to point to the calculated point of interest.

Optionally, light projection device 130 may include a laser linegenerator, the configuration of which is well known to persons ofordinary skill in the art, and readily commercially available (such asthe VLM-650-28 Laser Module available from Quarton), such that itsconstruction is not further detailed here. Thus, upon determination ofthe point of interest as discussed above, light projection device 130may project a line, such as a vertical line, intersecting the locationof the calculated point of interest, such as a midpoint location on awall.

While FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a point determination andprojection device 100 in accordance with certain aspects of anembodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view ofanother configuration of point determination and projection device 100in accordance with further aspects of an embodiment of the invention,which packages the foregoing components in a single housing for the samepurposes as described above. More particularly, and with reference toFIG. 2, point determination and projection device 100 may include ahousing 210 having a front edge 212, a back edge 214, and a top face216. At least one pivotable laser distance measurement device ispivotably mounted within housing 210, and is positioned to projectthrough front edge 212 of housing 210. Preferably, a first pivotabledistance measurement device 220 a is positioned between the center ofhousing 210 and a first side edge of housing 210, and a second pivotabledistance measurement device 220 b is positioned between the center ofhousing 210 and a second, opposite side edge of housing 210. Eachpivotable distance measurement device 220 a and 220 b may comprise acompact, laser distance measurement device of standard configurationwell-known to those of ordinary skill in the art and as described abovewith respect to FIG. 1. Further, each pivotable distance measurementdevice 220 a and 220 b is mounted within housing 210 for movementthrough an arc that is parallel to top face 216 of housing 210. In aparticularly preferred configuration, control knobs 222 a and 222 b maybe positioned on top face 216 of housing 210, and may engage eachpivotable distance measurement device 220 a and 220 b, respectively,such that rotation of each control knob 222 a and 222 b causes pivotingmovement of the respective distance measurement device 220 a and 220 b.

Preferably, either control knobs 222 a and 222 b or the internal,pivoting mounts for distance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b,include the same digital protractor configuration as pivotable mount 116discussed above so as to detect the position, and more particularly theangle, at which distance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b are alignedwith respect to housing 210. Such angular position sensors may transmittheir angular position data to a processor within housing 210 thatperforms the same functions as processor 124 of FIG. 1. Such angularposition sensors are readily adaptable to the instant pointdetermination and projection device 100 by those of ordinary skill inthe art to detect the current angle of distance measurement devices 220a and 220 b with respect to housing 210.

In certain configurations, only a single distance measurement device 220may be provided, with various angles of such single distance measurementdevice 220 being stored in local memory during measurement operations,as discussed in greater detail below.

Likewise, at least one pivotably mounted light projection device 230 (oflike configuration to light projection device 130 of FIG. 1) is providedin housing 210, and is configured to project an image, such as a spot orline, onto a surface after the location of the point of interest (e.g.,a midpoint between two endpoints of surface) has been calculated. Lightprojection device 230 is mounted within housing 210 for pivotablemovement through an arc parallel to the movement of one or more distancemeasurement devices 220 a and 220 b, and may be automatically moveable(such as via an internally mounted servo motor, not shown), or manuallymoveable via an additional control knob (not shown) on housing 210, oralternatively through electronic controls on housing 210. As withdistance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b, light projection device230 likewise includes an angular position sensor that detects theposition, and more particularly the angle, at which light projectiondevice 230 is aligned with respect to housing 210. The angular positionsensor of light projection device 230 likewise communicates with theprocessor, thus enabling the processor to direct light projection device230 to aim at the calculated point of interest, or to confirm that lightprojection device 230 is aimed at the calculated point of interest. Whensuch aiming point has been achieved, the processor may direct that lightprojection device 230 project its image to the calculated point ofinterest, or may signal a user (such as by lighting an LED or generatingan audible tone) that such angle has been achieved.

In certain configurations, multiple calculated intermediate points ofinterest (e.g., lines at every one-third-point along the surface) maysimultaneously be displayed by the point determination and projectiondevice. More particularly, multiple light projection devices 230configured as described above may optionally be provided in housing 210,each such light projection device 230 being independently pivotablymounted in housing 210 to project light, such as a vertical line, at atargeted intermediate point of interest.

Optionally, each of distance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b andlight projection device 230 may be physically embodied in a singledevice, operable to both measure distances and project an image to thecalculated point of interest as described herein, without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

As mentioned above, a processor (not shown) may be provided inside ofhousing 210, and may be in data communication with each of distancemeasurement devices 220 a and 220 b and light projection device 230,which processor is programmed to receive angular data from the angularposition sensors that detect the angular position of distancemeasurement devices 220 a and 220 b, and of light projection device 230,to calculate a point of interest with respect to two endpoints (such asthe midpoint between two endpoints of a structural feature such as awall), and to determine the necessary angle of light projection device230 with respect to housing 210 that is necessary to direct an imageprojected from light projection device 230 onto the structural featureat the calculated location of the point of interest. The processor mayalso be programmed to direct a drive signal to a servo motor in housing210, if point determination and projection device 100 is equipped withsuch a servo motor to automatically pivot light projection device 230 tothe calculated point of interest. More particularly and as furtherdetailed below, the processor may be programmed to receive the angle anddistance data from each distance measurement device 220 a and 220 b,calculate the location of a point of interest, such as a midpoint,between the points measured by distance measurement devices 220 a and220 b, calculate a projection angle for light projection device 230, andeither (i) send a control signal to a drive for light projection device230 to move it to the calculated projection angle, or (ii) communicatewith a drive mechanism for the light projection device 230 to determinewhen the projection device is aimed at the calculated projection angle,and thus at the calculated point of interest.

Optionally, housing 210 may include a bubble level situated along theback edge 214 of housing 210 to aid a user in maintaining the pointdetermination and projection device 100 level during use. Likewise,housing 210 may optionally be provided a stand, or threaded receptacleto receive a threaded stand (such as a tripod), on the bottom face ofhousing 210 to aid a user in keeping the point determination andprojection device 100 steady during use. As a further option, housing210 may employ self-leveling devices as are known to persons skilled inthe art and employed in such devices as the Model DW088K Self-levelingCross Line Laser commercially available from DeWALT.

In use, point determination and projection device 100 is used todetermine and display the location of a point of interest in relation totwo measured points. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, thepoint determination and projection device 100 is described in relationto the calculation and display of the location of a midpoint between twoendpoints of a surface, such as a wall surface in a building, includingin those circumstances in which one or more of the endpoints are hidden.Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that other points ofinterest (e.g., x % of the distance from a first endpoint to a secondendpoint) could likewise be calculated and displayed through simpleadjustment of the geometric formulas set forth herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

With reference to FIG. 3, when configured for manual intervention, athird control knob 224 may be provided at the middle of top face 216 ofhousing 210. Once the calculation is completed to project midpoint m,the user may be notified (e.g., by way of an audible tone or visualindicator, such as a light). The user then turns third control knob 224until the angular position sensor on light projection device 230determines that the calculated angle is reached. When the lightprojection device 230 reaches the calculated angle, the midpoint m willbe projected onto the wall via the laser pointer of light projectiondevice 230.

In order to obtain accurate calculations, point determination andprojection device 100 should be positioned as follows:

a. The device should preferably be placed on a fixed, hard surface(e.g., a tabletop) or affixed to a stationary tripod of other supportfor stability.

b. The front of the device should be positioned approximately parallelto the wall or other surface being measured, although it need not beexactly parallel, as the calculations described below can account forwhen it is askew.

c. The lasers distance measurement devices and light projection deviceshould have a clear line of sight to the wall or other surface beingmeasured.

d. The dials of the device should face upwards.

e. The device should be horizontally level.

After such positioning of point determination and projection device 100,operation may proceed as follows and as shown in FIG. 4. At a first step400, a user may select a mode of operation (as detailed below) toinstruct the processor to operate in one of multiple wall configurationmodes that will establish the series of measurements and manipulationsto be performed by point determination and projection device 100. Next,at step 402, the user depresses a first one of the control knobs, suchas control knob 222 a, and holds such control knob to display a laserpoint onto the surface that is to be measured, and turns the controlknob 222 a to point the laser distance measurement device at the firstpoint of interest (such as a first corner of a wall whose midpoint is tobe located). Next, at step 404, the user releases the first control knob222 a, which action instructs the processor to capture the distancebetween the vertex of the point determination and projection device andthe first point of interest. Next, at step 406, the user depresses asecond one of the control knobs, such as control knob 222 b, and holdssuch control knob to display a laser point onto the surface that is tobe measured, and turns the control knob 222 b to point the laserdistance measurement device at the second point of interest (such as asecond corner of a wall whose midpoint is to be located). Next, at step408, the user releases the second control knob 222 b, which actioninstructs the processor to capture the distance between the vertex ofthe point determination and projection device and the second point ofinterest, as well as the angle between the first laser distancemeasurement device and the second laser distance measurement device.Next, at step 410, upon completion of all measurements of points ofinterest, a user depresses a capture button on point determination andprojection device 100 to instruct the processor that all measurementshave been completed. Finally, at step 412, the processor calculates thedesignated point of interest, such as the midpoint of a wall sectionthat is undergoing examination, and sends a drive signal to the servomotor in point determination and projection device 100 to move lightprojection device 230 to visually designate the calculated point ofinterest.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the ordering of steps inFIG. 4 are exemplary only, and that the steps may be varied in order ofperformance without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The following description sets forth several scenarios in which thepoint determination and projection device 100 may be used to solve thespecific problem of finding a midpoint. In each such exemplaryimplementation, we presume that the point determination and projectiondevice 100 is perfectly level, such that all geometric calculations arebeing performed in a two-dimensional plane. The following notationalconventions are used:

a. Upper case letters denote geometric points. Two distinguished points,M and P, represent the midpoint of a line segment and the location ofthe point determination and projection device 100, respectively.

b. The line segment described by two points, X and Y is denoted by XY.Alternatively, lower case letters are used to name line segments.

c. The length of a line segment is denoted by the segment's terminationpoints concatenated sans the overline. E.g., XY denotes the length ofline segment XY. Alternately, when the context is clear, the lower casename of a line segment is used to denote that segments lengths.

d. Greek letters denote geometric angles.

e. In the examples that follow and in the related figures (FIGS. 5Athrough 8):

-   -   (i) An open circle denotes a hidden corner.    -   (ii) The symbol        denotes a measurement.    -   (iii) The symbol        denotes a computed point/line projection.

Example 1—Basic Flat Wall (FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B)

In this operational mode, the point determination and projection device100 is used to evaluate a flat wall with no protrusions at any pointalong the wall. The corners of the wall (points A and B) are in clearline-of-sight, as shown in plan view in FIG. 5A. In this scenario, thepoint determination and projection device performs the following steps,illustrated in FIG. 5B:

a. Mode 1 (Basic Flat Wall) is selected by the user via a Mode button218 on top face 216 of housing 210.

b. The right distance measurement device 220 a is directed at therightmost corner B of the wall by rotating the control knob 222 a on thetop of the device 100.

c. When the laser dot that is projected from distance measurement device220 a is displayed on the corner B of the wall, then the position ofsuch endpoint is recorded, such as by depressing control knob 222 adownward into housing 210.

d. The distance measurement device 220 a that is directed via dial 222 ais a measurement laser—therefore, at this point, the device has captureda measurement of the distance from the center of the device to therightmost corner of the wall, i.e., the length of line segment b.

e. The left distance measurement device 220 b is directed at theleftmost corner A of the wall by rotating the control knob 222 b on thetop of the device 100.

f. When the laser dot that is projected from distance measurement device220 b is displayed on the corner A of the wall, then the position ofsuch endpoint is recorded, such as by depressing control knob 222 bdownward into housing 210.

g. The distance measurement device 220 b that is directed via dial 222 bis a measurement laser—therefore, at this point, the device has captureda measurement of the distance from the center of the device to theleftmost corner of the wall, i.e., the length of line segment a.

h. Using the processor, the device 100 automatically calculates thelength of the wall by using the triangle that was created from 3 points:{A, P, B}, as discussed below. In this case, P is the center of thedevice, A is the left corner of the wall and B is the right corner ofthe wall.

i. The processor of device 100 automatically calculates the mid-point(M) of the wall, as discussed below.

j. A laser line is projected onto the mid-point of the wall (M) usinglight projection device 230, as shown in FIG. 5B.

The following formula is used by the processor to calculate mid-point(M). First, the length of line segments a and b are measured viadistance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b. The angle θ is thendetermined by the angle between the two lasers that are pointing to thecorners of the wall. The processor is to calculate the length of line c.Ultimately, the processor will calculate the location of the mid-pointof c, which is M.Equations: c ² =a ² +b ²−2ab(cos θ);AM=MB=c/2

Example: If a=3, b=9 and θ=100°

-   -   c²=9+81−54 (−0.17365)    -   c²=89−(−9.377)    -   c²=98.377    -   c=9.918    -   AM=MB=c/2=4.959        With the distance from A (or B) to M calculated as above by the        processor, the processor may then send a drive signal to the        pivoting mount of light projection device 230 to move light        projection device 230 to project a vertical line at the location        of M.

In order to calculate the angle by which light projection device 230 isto be moved to in turn direct its light to the location of M (i.e., themidpoint or other calculated target point of interest between points Aand B), given the measured values of the angles from device 100 tocorners A and B, the distance from device 100 to corner A (such distancelabeled a on FIG. 5B) and the calculated distance from corner A to pointM, the processor may then readily calculate (i) the distance from device100 to point m (such distance labeled a′ on FIG. 5B), and thereafter(ii) the angle θ′ by which light projection device 230 is to be moved,both through application of the law of cosines as will readily occur tothose of ordinary skill in the art, as follows.

-   -   a. With the known lengths of a, b and c, and the size of θ,        apply the law of cosines to calculate the size of angle α.    -   b. With the known lengths of a and c′, and the size of the angle        α, apply the law of cosines to calculate the length of m.    -   c. With the known lengths of m, a, and c′, apply the law of        cosines to calculate the size of angle θ.

Example 2—One Corner with Rectilinear Protrusion (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B)

In this operational mode, the point determination and projection device100 is used to evaluate a mostly flat wall, except that one corner has arectilinear protrusion as shown in FIG. 6A. All corners are in clearline-of-sight, as shown in plan view in FIG. 6A. In this scenario, thepoint determination and projection device 100 performs the followingsteps, illustrated in FIG. 6B:

a. Mode 2 (One Corner with Rectilinear Protrusion) is selected by theuser via the Mode button 218.

b. Distance measurement device 220 a is directed at the rightmost cornerB of the wall by rotating the control knob 222 a on the top of thedevice 100.

c. When the laser dot projected from distance measurement device 220 ais displayed on the corner B of the wall, then control knob 222 a isdepressed to record the position.

d. The laser that is directed via distance measurement device 220 a is ameasurement laser—therefore, at this point, the device 100 has captureda measurement of the distance from the center of the device 100 to therightmost corner B of the wall.

e. Distance measurement device 220 b is directed at the leftmost cornerof the protrusion on the left side of the wall A by rotating the controlknob 222 b on the top of the device 100.

f. When the laser dot projected from distance measurement device 220 bis displayed on the corner A of the wall, then control knob 222 b isdepressed to record the position.

g. The laser that is directed via distance measurement device 220 b is ameasurement laser—therefore, at this point, the device 100 has captureda measurement of the distance from the center of the device 100 tocorner A.

h. Distance measurement device 220 b is now reused and directed at therightmost corner of the protrusion on the left side of the wall A′ byrotating control knob 222 b on the top of the device 100.

i. When the laser dot projected from distance measurement device 220 bis displayed on the corner A′ of the wall, then control knob 220 b isdepressed to record the position.

j. The laser that is directed via distance measurement device 220 b is ameasurement laser—therefore, at this point, the device 100 has captureda measurement of the distance from the center of the device 100 tocorner A′.

k. The processor of device 100 automatically calculates the virtual leftcorner of the wall A′″ by using the two triangles that are created from{A, P, A′} and {A, A′″, A′}. In this case, P is the center of thedevice, A is the leftmost corner of the protrusion, A′ is the rightmostcorner of the protrusion, and A′″ is the virtual (hidden) left corner ofthe wall.

l. The processor of device 100 automatically calculates the length ofthe wall by using the triangle that was created from 3 points: {A′″, P,B}. In this case, P is the center of the device, B is the right cornerof the wall and A′″ is the virtual (hidden) left corner of the wall.

m. The processor of device 100 automatically calculates the mid-point(M) of the wall.

n. A laser line is projected onto the mid-point of the wall (M) usinglight projection device 230.

The following formula is used by the processor to calculate mid-point(M). The length of lines a′ and b are known (measured via laserdistance). Likewise, the length of lines a and a″ are known (measuredvia laser distance). The angle θ is known, because it is measured by theangle between the two lasers that are pointing to A′ and B. The angle θ′is also known, because it is measured by the angle between the twolasers that are pointing to A and A″. The length of c+c′ is to becalculated by the processor. Ultimately, as shown in FIG. 6B, theprocessor will calculate the mid-point of the length of c plus thelength of c′, which is M.

Equations: Given a′, b and θ, the same calculations as set forth abovewith respect to Example 1 may be employed by the processor to calculatethe length of c.

-   -   Given a, a″ and θ′, the processor can also use the same        calculations as Example 1 to calculate the length of c′.        A′″M=BM=(c+c′)/2        Once again, with the location of midpoint M calculated as above        by the processor, the processor may then move light projection        device 230 to project a vertical line at the location of such        calculated midpoint.

Example 3—One Corner with Freeform Protrusion (FIGS. 7A to 7E)

In this operational mode 3, the point determination and projectiondevice 100 is used to evaluate a mostly flat wall, except that one endhas a non-rectilinear protrusion (which could be a rounded column, oreven a very odd shape) as shown in plan view in FIG. 7A. All corners arein clear line-of-sight.

As above, Mode 3 (One Corner with Freeform Protrusion) is selected bythe user via the Mode Button 118, and measurements are collected as inExamples 1 and 2 above.

Thus, the length of lines a, b and a′ are known (measured via laserdistance); the angles θ and θ′ are known, because they were measured bythe angles between the lasers that are pointing to the corners of thewall for a, b and a′; the processor is to determine the length of linesc and c′; and ultimately, the processor will calculate the mid-point ofc+c′, which is M.

Equations: Given a′, b and θ, the processor can use the samecalculations as Example 1 to calculate c.

-   -   Given a, a′ and θ′, the processor can also use the same        calculations as Example 1 to calculate d, where edge d deviates        from the path of c and meets at the end of c, as shown in FIG.        7B. At this point, d can be used to form a diagonal line that        traverses an imaginary rectangle, as shown in FIG. 7D.

Next, the processor can solve for the lengths of the sides of two innertriangles since the angles of those triangles are easily determined.FIG. 7D shows the first inner triangle that is solved.

Because the angle χ is known, the processor can find angles β and α asfollows:β=180−90−χα=180−Y−θ′

The processor can now solve for p and q, as follows:p/sin(β)=α/sin(α)q=a−pFinally, the processor can start to solve the second inner triangle,which will provide the length of edge c′. FIG. 7E shows the second innertriangle that is solved by the processor.

First, the angle α′ must be determined, and then the processor can solvefor c′. Both can be solved as follows:α′=180−αc′/sin(α′)=q/sin(90)The location of M can be found as in the previous example:A″M=BM=(c+c′)/2 Once again, with the location of midpoint M calculatedas above by the processor, the processor may then move light projectiondevice 230 to project a vertical line at the location of such calculatedmidpoint.

Example 4—Both Corners with Freeform Protrusions (FIG. 8A)

In this operational mode, the point determination and projection device100 is used to evaluate a mostly flat wall, except that both ends have anon-rectilinear protrusion (which could be a rounded column or even avery odd shape) as shown in FIG. 8A. All other corners are in clearline-of-sight.

Once again, Mode 4 (Both Corners with Freeform Protrusions) is selectedby the user via the Mode Button 118, and measurements are collected asin Examples 1 and 2 above.

As shown in FIG. 8, this scenario can be solved by the processor usingthe same mathematical equations as are set forth above with respect toExample 3.

Once angle θ is determined for each of the Examples set forth above, theprocessor of point determination and projection device 100 can calculatethe angle that is required to project the calculated midpoint M. Asmentioned above, such projection of the midpoint may be carried out viamanual intervention (e.g., the user turning an additional control knob),or electronically (e.g., using a digital protractor and servo motor).

Optionally, light projection device 230 may be configured to project anddisplay a reference line, such as a vertical line, at the calculatedpoint of interest, which reference line is perpendicular to thehorizontal measurements of distance measurement devices 220 a and 220 b.Also optionally and as referenced above, the calculated point ofinterest may be at a location other than the midpoint between the tworeference points, such as (by way of non-limiting example) 25% offset toone side. Further, point determination and projection device may be usedto alternatively or additionally determine and project a verticalreference point, such as a vertical midpoint, using the same principlesand operating mechanisms as have been described above. Still further,point determination and projection device 100 may include anauto-leveling function that may be operable by pointing distancemeasurement devices 120 a and 120 b at the top and bottom ends of thewall or other surface under examination as a calibration step.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A point determination and projection device,comprising: at least one angularly adjustable, remote distancemeasurement device; a digital protractor operably engaging said at leastone remote distance measurement device; and a processor having computerexecutable code stored thereon configured to: receive from said at leastone remote distance measurement device a first distance measurement to afirst point of interest in a first segment of a surface; receive fromsaid at least one remote distance measurement device a second distancemeasurement to a second point of interest in said first segment of saidsurface; receive from said digital protractor an angle measurement of anangle having a vertex at said point determination and projection deviceand endpoints at said first point of interest and said second point ofinterest; receive from said at least one remote distance measurementdevice a third distance measurement to a third point of interest in asecond segment of said surface; receive from said at least one remotedistance measurement device a fourth distance measurement to a fourthpoint of interest in said second segment of said surface; calculate afirst location of a first segment targeted point of interest betweensaid first point of interest and said second point of interest;calculate a second location of a second segment targeted point ofinterest between said third point of interest and said fourth point ofinterest; calculate a location of a surface targeted point of interestby summing a distance from said first point of interest in said firstsegment to said first segment targeted point of interest, and a distancefrom said third point of interest in said second segment to said secondsegment targeted point of interest; and generate human discernableoutput indicative of a location of said surface targeted point ofinterest.
 2. The point determination and projection device of claim 1,further comprising: an angularly adjustable remote light projectiondevice; wherein said executable code is further configured to move saidangularly adjustable remote light projection device to project lighttherefrom at said location of said surface targeted point of interest.3. The point determination and projection device of claim 2, whereinsaid angularly adjustable remote light projection device is fixedlymounted to a servo controller that is in electrical communication withsaid processor.
 4. The point determination and projection device ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one angularly adjustable, remote distancemeasurement device further comprises a first angularly adjustable laserdistance measurement device and a second angularly adjustable laserdistance measurement device.
 5. The point determination and projectiondevice of claim 4, further comprising: an angularly adjustable remotelight projection device; wherein said executable code is furtherconfigured to move said angularly adjustable remote light projectiondevice to project light therefrom at said location of said surfacetargeted point of interest.
 6. The point determination and projectiondevice of claim 5, further comprising a housing, wherein said angularlyadjustable remote light projection device is positioned within saidhousing, said first angularly adjustable laser distance measurementdevice is positioned within said housing on a first side of said remotelight projection device, and said second angularly adjustable laserdistance measurement device is positioned within said housing on asecond side of said remote light projection device that is opposite saidfirst side.
 7. The point determination and projection device of claim 4,further comprising: a housing; a first manually operable control knobpositioned on a top face of said housing and mechanically engaging saidfirst angularly adjustable remote light projection device; and a secondmanually operable control knob positioned on said top face of saidhousing and mechanically engaging said second angularly adjustableremote light projection device.
 8. The point determination andprojection device of claim 7, further comprising a level configured toindicate to a user when said top face of said housing is level.
 9. Thepoint determination and projection device of claim 7, further comprisingan internal self-leveling mechanism.
 10. The point determination andprojection device of claim 1, further comprising a mode selector incommunication with said processor and configured to designate anoperational mode that prompts a user to manipulate said at least oneremote distance measurement device through a pre-designated number ofmeasurements of points of interest.
 11. A point determination andprojection device, comprising: a first angularly adjustable remotedistance measurement device; a second angularly adjustable remotedistance measurement device; an angularly adjustable remote lightprojection device; and a processor having computer executable codestored thereon configured to: receive from said first remote distancemeasurement device a first distance measurement to a first point ofinterest in a first segment of a surface; receive from said secondremote distance measurement device a second distance measurement to asecond point of interest in said first segment of said surface;determine an angle between said first distance measurement and saidsecond distance measurement; receive from said first remote distancemeasurement device a third distance measurement to a third point ofinterest in a second segment of said surface; receive from said secondremote distance measurement device a fourth distance measurement to afourth point of interest in said second segment of said surface;calculate a first location of a first segment targeted point of interestbetween said first point of interest and said second point of interest;calculate a second location of a second segment targeted point ofinterest between said third point of interest and said fourth point ofinterest; calculate a location of a surface targeted point of interestby summing a distance from said first point of interest in said firstsegment to said first segment targeted point of interest, and a distancefrom said third point of interest in said second segment to said secondsegment targeted point of interest; and generate human discernableoutput indicative of a location of said surface targeted point ofinterest.
 12. The point determination and projection device of claim 11,wherein said executable code is further configured to move saidangularly adjustable remote light projection device to project lighttherefrom at said location of said surface targeted point of interest.13. The point determination and projection device of claim 12, whereinsaid angularly adjustable remote light projection device is fixedlymounted to a servo controller that is in electrical communication withsaid processor.
 14. The point determination and projection device ofclaim 11, further comprising a housing, wherein said angularlyadjustable remote light projection device is positioned within saidhousing, said first angularly adjustable laser distance measurementdevice is positioned within said housing on a first side of said remotelight projection device, and said second angularly adjustable laserdistance measurement device is positioned within said housing on asecond side of said remote light projection device that is opposite saidfirst side.
 15. The point determination and projection device of claim11, further comprising: a housing; a first manually operable controlknob positioned on a top face of said housing and mechanically engagingsaid first angularly adjustable remote light projection device; and asecond manually operable control knob positioned on said top face ofsaid housing and mechanically engaging said second angularly adjustableremote light projection device.
 16. The point determination andprojection device of claim 15, further comprising one of a manual leveland an automatic level configured to indicate to a user when said topface of said housing is level.
 17. The point determination andprojection device of claim 11, further comprising a mode selector incommunication with said processor and configured to designate anoperational mode that prompts a user to manipulate said at least oneremote distance measurement device through a pre-designated number ofmeasurements of points of interest.